Smallball... Microball... Call it whatever you want, but the Rockets finally have something that is uniquely their calling-card and a system that the entire team can easily get behind. To some this may seem inconsequential, but in a copy-cat league where few ever dare to apply a novel concept, the Rockets have empowered their players with a clear sense of purpose and a method to it carry out. I believe this will be a huge catalyst for the players to finally start playing as one cohesive unit with a singular focus. You could clearly see that in action last night when they were all working together to mask their deficiencies in rebounding and rim protection by hustling and getting gritty on defense. That's chemistry right there and a show of solidarity -- they all have each other's back. Now, will this be sustainable for an entire season especially in the playoffs? That is yet to be determined. However, by ripping apart the starting lineup and going all-in without a center, Daryl Morey and Mike D'Antoni have finally merged their individual basketball philosophies and cranked it up to the utmost degree. It's like when you're in a relationship with someone and you finally get to the point when you drop all pretense, leave the expectations behind, and simply accept what you have together and just live with it. That's the Rockets right now and it's so refreshing to watch. I'm absolutely thrilled about the rest of this season and so should you!
When James and Russ break thru with this new style and have a great game and the ball is moving like last night watch out.
The short commentary I heard after the game, as well as on the radio today all question two points-- 1) playoffs, 2) sustainability. I think the sustainability is largely health, but also the willingness to go deep into the bench and play 9-10 guys. When they're double blocking-out 6'10 guys and swarming the passing lanes it much about having fresh legs to do it. In terms of playoffs.. well they seemed to have no issue beating Utah / Minne in the last couple post seasons where the only roster difference (notably was Capela) He dominated KAT, but more or less even with Gobert? This is basically the same recipe we had for the Warriors... but need more depth and guys in the same mold.
Did you get this notion from C-Webb last night? Nothing new - Capela was taken out anytime they needed more spacing, they have been playing the same way for 3 years, and basically since Harden took over ball-handling duties - the Rockets basically just replaced Ariza with Covington. But, New & Improves always sells in America....so continue on.....Nellie tried small ball back with the GSW - failed in playoffs too!
I'm sure this is just a joke, but just to clarify: Westbrook is 6'3 with a 6'8 wingspan while CP3 is 6'0 with a 6'4 wingspan.
God I wish people would stop responding to his threads. Even telling him hes dumb is giving him the attention he wants, and also bumping his threads to keep them active on the front page.
Nellie never had 2 MVP point guards and 3 elite 3-D defenders. And I prefer Rocketball myself. Next stage in our evolution is Harden and Russ surrounded by 3-D disruptors 6'7+ with 7'0+ wingspans. That happens and smallball, microball, midget ball, etc. is moot.
OP's got a point. The importance of having a wall-defined identity can't be overstated. I also like how MDA's new QuantumBall* approach seems to keep everyone involved on offense, much more so than the ISO-ball approach. * Hey, if we're gonna go small, let's go really small.